Hockey Pucks & Tourist Traps

Hello everyone!  Here’s an update on everything I’ve been up to this week! 

Cheering on the team!

On Wednesday I went to a CKA hockey         game (pronounced ska), St. Petersburg’s hockey team!  I wish I could remember who we played that night but I do know that we won 3-1! It was one of the best hockey   games I’ve ever been to, probably due to the fact that I   was surrounded by crazy Russians cheering on my city in a country known for this sport.  I am definitely going back for another game!

Not much else went on during the week, but when the weekend arrived I knew we had to plan something. So I opened up my guidebooks and a group of 5, including me, decided to go around to 2 very famous cathedrals in the city.  The first one on the list was Khazan Cathedral.  It’s a huge horseshoe shaped Russian Orthodox Church right on Nevsky Prospect. 

The inside was kinda dark but very beautiful.  Women had to keep their heads covered because it is a holy place where Russian Orthodox still practice their faith.  They would line up and go to the alter to kiss the icons and light a candle. 

Khazan Cathedral 

St. Isaac's Cathedral

The next cathedral on our list was St. Isaac’s.   After purchasing our student discount tickets, we went up to the top of the dome to get a panoramic view of the city.  It was 271 spiral steps up, and completely worth every one.  The entire city can be seen sprawled out down below.  A combination of the cold, the climb up, and the view below truly took my breath away.  Lets not talk about the mini panic attack I had when I climbed the last few steps to the top in the open with almost nothing but the city beneath me!

View of the Admiralty's golden spire, The Winter Palace next to it, and Peter & Paul Fortress' golden spire across the river

After walking back down the steps, we were able to enter the actual cathedral.  St. Isaac’s is still an active Russian Orthodox Church, so there were people worshipping in a small separate room.  Walking around the huge cathedral was definitely my favorite part of the day.  I’m surprised I didn’t break my neck from staring up at the opulent arches and ceilings!  They were all decorated with paintings that covered every inch.  Here’s the selfie I snapped featuring a man with his head craned back gazing at the beautiful artwork and details!

St. Isaac's definitely tops my list of the most beautiful cathedrals I’ve visited, I look forward to going back there in the spring for more views of the city and to walk around inside again.

Our day of exploring called for a snack break before the ride back home on the metro.  My friend suggested we stop at a small pie shop for a bite to eat.  Best decision all day. The pie was delicious; there were savory and sweet ones that you could order.  I decided on a classic slice of apple pie with a cup of tea! 

So that is pretty much what has been going on in my Russian life!  My language skills are still poor, but it is slowly getting better with time.  All is well in St. Petersburg, I miss everyone back home but I am having the time of my life learning and living in this city.  Until next time!

Sun setting from my window